Jeonnam Province to Begin COVID-19 Vaccinations for Seniors Aged 65 and Older Starting on the 15th

Vaccinations for High-Risk Groups at Designated Medical Institutions and Public Health Centers
Simultaneous Flu Vaccinations for Seniors Aged 65 and Older

COVID-19 Vaccination Promotional Material. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province announced that starting from the 15th, COVID-19 vaccinations will be fully implemented at public health centers and designated medical institutions for high-risk groups.

This round of vaccinations targets seniors aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals aged six months and above, and residents or inpatients at facilities vulnerable to infections.

Notably, seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for both COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccinations, allowing them to conveniently receive both vaccines in a single visit to a vaccination center.

Both COVID-19 and influenza pose a high risk of severe illness for the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. In particular, for COVID-19, seniors aged 75 and older face a mortality risk more than 10 times higher than that of the general adult population if infected, and their hospitalization rate is about five times higher than for the flu. Influenza also carries a significant risk of complications such as pneumonia and myocarditis.

This vaccination campaign will begin on the 15th, initially focusing on inpatients and residents at infection-vulnerable facilities such as nursing hospitals and care homes, immunocompromised individuals, and seniors aged 75 and older. It will then expand to those aged 70 to 74 from the 20th, and to those aged 65 to 69 from the 22nd. Eligible individuals can receive the vaccine at any designated medical institution or public health center nationwide, regardless of their registered address, by presenting a valid ID.

This year’s COVID-19 vaccination uses vaccines (such as Pfizer and Moderna) that are effective against the new LP.8.1 variant.

Eligible individuals should check their health status before vaccination and postpone vaccination until after recovery if they have symptoms such as fever. After vaccination, they should remain at the medical institution for 20 to 30 minutes to monitor for adverse reactions and take sufficient rest at home afterward.

Jung Gwangsun, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, emphasized, "Vaccination is the most reliable way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in the community and to protect yourself and your neighbors," urging everyone to get vaccinated according to the schedule.